We all have moments when we feel like we aren't moving ahead. You may feel trapped by circumstances—like your efforts aren't leading to the desired results. You might begin to feel like you're on the wrong track or like you're not enough. But those uncomfortable feelings are sometimes an indicator that you're growing in ways you don't even realize.

Neale Donald Walsch, author of Conversations With God, said struggle is just another word for growth. Even the most evolved beings find themselves in a place of struggle now and then. In fact, struggle is a sure sign to them that they are expanding; it is their indication of real and important progress. Those who do not struggle do not grow. So if you are struggling right now, see it as a terrific sign—celebrate your struggle.

Imagine that everything in your life is orchestrated by design for you. Every person you meet is a character in your story, every challenge in your life is meant to help you grow. When we adopt the mindset that life is happening for us rather than to us, we can relax into its rhythm rather than trying to fight it.

Think about what that means: Everything you are going through, have gone through, and will go through is part of a bigger plan. It is all for you. I’ve identified six signs that indicate that you're growing—even if it doesn't feel that way:

1. You're struggling with new problems.

Buddhist teacher and author Pema Chödrön said, "Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know," so if you are facing the same situation and problem over and over, there's a lesson in it you haven't learned yet. So, if you're facing new problems—for example, maybe you’re no longer worried about your financial situation, and instead you're focused on manifesting romantic love; maybe the job you once enjoyed is now a chore and now you're dreaming of what your life would look like with a new career—these are signs you've learned the lessons your previous challenges needed to teach you, and you're ready to learn new ones.

2. You don't relate to friends the way you have in the past.

Those of us on personal growth journeys often move on from relationships and situations that were once fulfilling and joyful. You may find it hard to relate to your old friends or wonder why they don’t want to talk about the things you now enjoy. Not everyone is committed to growth. Stay on your path and recognize that everyone has their own journey. Not everyone will continue with you on your path, but you can still love them for who they are. If you stay committed to your personal growth, you'll continue to find like-minded people who are at parallel stages in their own growth.

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3. You feel bored, restless, or anxious in situations that used to feel comfortable and engaging.

You may be in a relationship, a job, or an environment that no longer makes you feel good. The goal is to not cling to things that no longer work. Growing out of the old you means you may no longer fit into certain roles. Be courageous. Let go of the things that no longer serve you. This is the only way to make room for the possibilities that will lead you to your purpose.

4. You dream of possibilities instead of focusing on limitations.

At one point in your life, you may have seen more problems and limitations than actual solutions, but as you grow spiritually, you start to see the immense possibilities before you. As much as it scares you, you may be excited for the unknown, and you look forward to creating your reality with clear intention and focused action.

5. You no longer care (or care less) what people think about you.

You used to crave approval. But you're beginning to find yourself less engaged with others' opinions of you. You're comfortable with your choices and you aren’t afraid to show the real you. This is a beautiful phase in which you begin to relax and feel more self-assured. Let your authentic self carry you forward.

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6. You're improving your relationship with yourself.

I spent decades believing the world was out to get me, and I used it as an excuse to be miserable. I’d think things like, "How can my friends eat whatever they want and be so thin? The fact that I even looked at this cookie means I have to go to the gym later. I am doomed to be fat." And then, eventually, I realized that I was the one dooming myself. When we compare ourselves to others it keeps us in a state of perpetual fear. When you stop focusing on others and start to think about how you treat you, a transcendent, capable version of yourself can emerge.